Almost everyone will be in a car accident at some point. While the vast majority of accidents are minor fender-benders, many people still suffer serious injuries every year. If you find yourself involved in a car accident, it’s important to know how to treat the most common injuries. This article will discuss six of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents and how to treat them.
Whiplash
Every day, there are a large number of crashes, especially in populous cities like Cheyenne. And the most common injury sustained from these crashes is whiplash. It occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing the ligaments and muscles to stretch beyond their normal range of motion. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms can take days or even weeks to appear, so it’s important to be aware of them. If the accident was caused by negligence on the part of another driver, you might be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Consider contacting a whiplash injury attorney in Cheyenne to discuss your case. Whiplash can be treated with pain medication, physical therapy, and chiropractic care.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are also common in car accidents, especially if there is a lot of force. The most common break-in car accident is a broken collarbone. Other common breaks include ribs, wrists, and ankles. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you think you may have broken a bone.
If you break a bone in a car accident, the best way to treat it is to go to the hospital as soon as possible so that it can be properly set and put in a cast. Treatment for broken bones usually involves setting the bone and then wearing a cast or splint to keep it in place while it heals. If you can’t get to the hospital right away, you can wrap the broken bone in a bandage or cloth to help keep it stable. Do not try to set the bone yourself – this could do more harm than good.
Concussions
Concussions are another common injury in car accidents. A concussion occurs when the head is suddenly jarred, causing the brain to bounce around inside the skull and leading to bruising or bleeding. Concussions can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. If you think you may have a concussion, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that they can rule out any other serious injuries. Most concussions will resolve on their own with rest and over-the-counter pain medication.
Lacerations
Lacerations are cuts that occur when a sharp object tears the skin. They can range from minor cuts to deep gashes that require stitches. Lacerations are common in car accidents because they can be caused by shattered glass or metal debris. If you have a laceration, it’s important to clean the wound as soon as possible to prevent infection. You should also hold pressure on the wound if it is bleeding heavily. If the laceration is more than a quarter-inch deep or if it is on the face, you will likely need to go to the hospital so that it can be properly treated.
Burns
Burns are another common injury in car accidents, especially if a fire is involved. Burns can range from mild to severe, which fire, chemicals, or electricity can cause. If you have a burn, it’s important to cool the area as soon as possible to reduce swelling. You should also apply a sterile bandage to the area to prevent infection. If the burn is more than a quarter-inch deep or if it covers a large area of the body, you will need to go to the hospital for treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents because they can be caused by the impact of the accident or by debris flying through the air. Soft tissue injuries include bruises, scrapes, and cuts. If you have a soft tissue injury, it’s important to clean the wound and apply a sterile bandage. It would help if you also iced the area to reduce swelling. Most soft tissue injuries will heal independently, but some may require medical attention.
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to see a doctor even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Some injuries, like concussions, can take days or even weeks to appear. So, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a professional. After receiving treatment, keep your records if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.